The monarch expressed her ‘shock’ at the deadly attack that killed or injured dozens ‘adults and children who had just been enjoying a concert’.
The Queen voiced shock today at the ‘act of barbarity’ in Manchester as she praised the response of emergency services.
The monarch expressed her ‘shock’ at the deadly attack that killed or injured dozens ‘adults and children who had just been enjoying a concert’.
‘The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert, ‘ she said in a statement.
‘I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured.
‘I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care.
‘And I would like to express my admiration for the way the people of Manchester have responded, with humanity and compassion, to this act of barbarity.’
The comments came after Theresa May condemned the ‘senseless’ terrorist atrocity at the Manchester Arena, which has seen election campaigning suspended.
At least 22 are dead plus the attacker. Some 59 were wounded, with fears of more casualties.
The Prime Minister said the suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert attended by children showed ‘appalling sickening cowardice’ and was one of the worst the country had suffered.
Speaking on the steps of Downing Street, she said authorities believed there was one culprit and thought they knew his identity.
Mrs May’s defiant statement came after she chaired a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee at No10 this morning. She is expected to visit Manchester later.
‘All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, ‘ she said.
‘But this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening, cowardice – deliberately targeting innocent defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.’
Mrs May, who worked through the night on the security response, told of her disgust at the ‘warped and twisted mind that sees a room packed with young children… as an opportunity for carnage’.
